Category / Thoughts
Recently on Woology, there was some talk of "upper level" songs--the issues relating to what songs people save for upper levels, and impressions of kids that certain songs are too easy. So here are my secrets of working with upper level students and the Sr. Wooly materials.
First, let me say, that I was intentional with my words. These are MY secrets. These are not THE secrets. What works for me may not fly in your context. As they say in car ads, your mileage may vary (YMMV). Also, these are not in some magic formula...
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WAFLT 2019 Recommendations
Here it is, folks, my annual recommendations of session at WAFLT. These are sessions that are focused on Comprehensible-Input/Acquisition-Driven teaching, as well as those by creative and engaging teachers I know. Please let me know if I've missed any! Also, don't take it that a session not listed is not a good choice. There are plenty that will be perfect for you if the topic is something specific you're concerned with.
Friday, November 1, 2019 8:30am-11:30am (NOTE: these 3-hour workshops cost extra to attend.)
Señor Wooly: Where do I start?
You've heard the buzz. Sr. Wooly is where it is at. But then you log yourself on to www.senorwooly.com and are immediately fill with a sense of overwhelm. You've seen the Baño video on YouTube and have heard of the famous Billy la Bufanda. Your crazy colleague down the hall actually BOUGHT...
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Señor Wooly is the BEST THING EVER
We recently finished "Wooly Week", which for the uninitiated is a week-long celebration of all things Wooly. New products, new songs, new activities for everyone who subscribes to the Sr. Wooly website. And this has renewed the strength in my opinion that this website is the best thing ever.
Now,...
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2019: New Year, New FOCUS
I've been inspired. I mean, this time of year, it is hard not to look ahead with eyes to the bright shining promise of the new year. But it also is tempting to pull my head out of the clouds and realize I have a few short weeks left in first semester, and a pile of grading staring at me from before break. So, how the heck do I balance my need for, well, balance with these competing sentiments of optimism and exhaustion?
As usual, when it comes to great ideas, I need to blame Meredith White. I feel like lately, she is my teaching...
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WAFLT 2018 Sessions for CI Teachers
Here is a listing of all CI-focused, CI-friendly, or otherwise awesome (but not CI) presenters that I personally recommend at the 2018 WAFLT Annual Convention. Take this advice (like everything I say) with your own grain of salt, and as with everything, your mileage may vary! Not being on this list is not a criticism...there are a couple of sessions I'm planning to attend that are not here. This is my list of recommendations for CI-focused teachers looking to work on their CI-related teaching. Friday Morning Workshops...
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Dissecting Danielson Domain 2: Making the Rubric Work for your CI Classroom
This is the second of a draft-quality (for now) series of posts about the Danielson evaluation tool and how the qualifiers and criteria can apply to a Comprehensible Input-focused classroom. If you're just stumbling onto this now, you can find Domain 1 here.
Danielson Domain 2: The Classroom Environment
Okay! This one is probably the least difficult to make fit a CI class, because frankly a good environment is a good environment! There are certainly some...Read More
Dissecting Danielson Domain 1: Making the rubric work for your CI Classroom
Recently, a teacher asked in an online forum how the Danielson assessment system can be "worked" within a Comprehensible Input-focused classroom. So I've included my rubric interpretation here. My disclaimer also should be that I rate myself high, but with rationale, and then ask my administrator to prove I'm wrong. But I want my administrator to give me specific things I should improve if they don't feel I'm doing the best possible job. (Obviously, I totally know I can improve in many areas. But I'm not going to make it easy on them.) Please also remember that just because these can be connected...
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Words of the Week
As I approach my AP Spanish Language class debut, I am thinking about what words kids may want to use in their essays and oral responses. What might they need to use (and understand) to take their language to the next level? So with a bit of my own research, and a LOT of crowdsourcing from the Facebook groups Spanish Teachers in the US and AP Spanish Language and Culture Teachers, I have come up with a list of words (that no doubt will be updated as the year goes on) that...
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Packing for Travel–Start to lighten the load
I've said it before & will say it again. There are 2 kinds of travelers. Those who pack light and those who wish they had. But how do you know what you'll really need?!?
1. USE A LIST!
Using a grocery list helps you make sure you don't forget something important for dinner. It also keeps you from picking up a third bottle of ketchup,...
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